Official portraits of royalty or politicians are often very staid and forgettable.
That is not the case withKing Charles first official portrait.
Painted by celebrated artistJonathan Yeo, the eight-plus-foot-tall work is certainly striking.
King Charles official portraitJonathan Yeo
It features a fine characterization of the kings face looking benignly down at the viewer.
He also made a portrait of the kings father, Prince Philip.
He was a bit of a caged tiger, Yeo told the New York Times.
I cant imagine he was easy as a father, but he was entertaining as a subject.
The kings first reaction was more nuanced.
He got an early look at the work in a half-done state, said Yeo.
He was initially mildly surprised by the strong color but otherwise he seemed to be smiling approvingly.
As for the butterfly, Yeo explains, In history of art, the butterfly symbolizes metamorphosis and rebirth.
Thats appropriate for a portrait of a recently-ascended monarch.
It also signifies a King who has championed environmental causes.
